For this edition of Handmade Faves I wanted to share a few more of the artists I’ve personally purchased from and continue to rely on for quality handmade goods and excellent customer service. Because discovering these gems can be somewhat of a challenge in the vastness of the online world, I’ve included some of the ways I’ve found them as well. I’m hopeful that you’ll be inspired to search out those artists who will become your own “go-to” sources for handmade work.
I may be the last person on the planet still writing paper checks, but I have several checkbooks that were always getting mixed up. So I went hunting for checkbook covers but just couldn’t find anything that blew me away. Weeks went by until EtsyPatrons started testing a project we were working on called Personal Shopper… the idea was that we would volunteer to help stumped shoppers find the perfect handmade holiday gifts. In the process, my friend Vintage Embellishment found the work of Get Felt Up and I promptly purchased two fun, eye catching covers. Personal Shopper didn’t make it, but my checkbooks have never looked better! Get Felt Up has since sold hundreds of pieces and was featured on Try Handmade and the front page of etsy but I still smile every time I write a check.
I’ve really been enjoying the way candles add ambiance to a room lately, so I’ve been burning through quite a few of them. My candles are purchased directly from The Beekeeper, otherwise known as Peace Blossom Candles. I looked long and hard before I settled on these, but the amazing shapes and explanation of bees wax in the Shop Policies section convinced me to give them a try. You’d think Oregon Organic Handmade Pure Beeswax Candles would be outrageously expensive, but they’re really not. I buy them in bulk to save on shipping, and several beeswax candles have found their way home with guests as well. They are amazingly detailed, smell divine, burn well, and make a great handmade story. I get the tiny ones so I can start fresh with each burn.
One of the first posts I saw and commented on at Try Handmade featured the handmade felt cases of hine. I quickly discovered that they are never in stock and she doesn’t take orders. While I was digesting that news, she went on vacation for something like two months. I finally resorted to setting up a shop feed so I’d know when new products were added, and so I eventually managed to snag the coolest camera case ever. It was kind of on the expensive side, but it fits my Cybershot like a glove and I’d rather lose the camera than the case. In short, it rocks.
Just prior to a recent event at my house I realized my drinking glasses were a mismatched embarrassment. I went looking and settled on a set of six hand blown glasses by TandemGlass. This took a lot of looking, a few convos back and forth, and finally a leap of faith, due mainly to the fact that the actual glasses you receive are not the ones in the photo and they are not inexpensive pieces. DH was skeptical but I pulled the trigger and was rewarded with some absolutely fabulous pieces of hand blown glass that were the hit of the event. The thing to remember about this kind of purchase is that if you have questions, just ask. Most artists are more that happy to discuss their work and their responses can help you choose when a listing alone isn’t quite enough.
I’m not normally much of an impulse buyer, but I stumbled upon this piece by dyedianadye on the front page of 1000Markets and had to have it. A few convos back and forth to discuss sizing and such and I made the purchase. It arrived quickly, gorgeously wrapped, and ready to be thrown on for a summer barbeque that night, to rave reviews. You’d think it would be hard to buy clothing without trying it on, but if you know your measurements, the measurements of the garment, and are working with a patient artist, you can be confident that it will fit and that you’ll be wearing a unique piece of art.
If you’ve got some time and want to browse great handmade work, there are numerous spots on the web that will make you wish you had deeper pockets. Try Handmade is, of course, a given (bookmark now if you haven’t already!). The front page of Etsy is the source of much discussion as to their choices, but it changes often and is great for a quick handmade fix every now and then. ByHandGallery (my own Front Page On Steroids) changes often, includes work from all of the most popular venues, and hosts small galleries of handmade work chosen by my friend LuminaJewelry, who has an amazing eye for gorgeous collections.
So which shops or artists do you go back to time and time again? How do you find great work? Post below and fill us in on your own personal handmade finds!
Beverly – what a wonderful collection of finds! And there are few buying experiences more satisfying than buying directly from the person who lovingly made your item. I was so delighted when you bought the Tide Pool Tunic – and even happier to hear you wore it to rave reviews! Thank you so much for featuring it, and for introducing me to a bunch of truly wonderful artisans.
.-= Diana’s latest post: Listen up, y’all! =-.
Well..I like to come here….and Heart Handmade…and Modish. I love the revolving front page of Etsy and I love the pounce feature. Sometimes I just put in a key word and see what comes up! I follow a LOT of different blogs going in all sorts of directions and make it my duty to comment on theirs as well as linking to one of their faves. That has lead me all over the world! I keep my eyes open in trade magazines as well as things like Oprah or Real Simple or Midwest Living. You just never know….even Fast Company has lead me to new artists and sellers. Thanks for the great article!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
.-= Erin Prais-Hintz’s latest post: On the Road Again… =-.
Great article in “Try Handmade” – and it features one of my tops! http://tinyurl.com/ndrkbr
RT @dyedianadye Great article in "Try Handmade" – and it features one of my tops! http://tinyurl.com/ndrkbr
Wow, I just love that camera case! That is amazing! I am so impressed with the beautiful goods I find on Etsy all the time, so much amazing talent!
.-= Johanna’s latest post: Christmas in July sale, my top picks! =-.
I actually have a case for the camera case, haha!
.-= BeachyRustica’s latest post: Holiday Decorating and Four Seasons Market =-.
I love to hear personal stories of buying handmade. I, too, cover that camera case and understand why you put it in its own case for protection!
I posted a similar story on my blog at ByHand.me about just a few of my wonderful purchases. Not only do I love the actual items, I really appreciate the contact I have with the creators of the products.
“Just a Few of MY Handmade Purchases”
https://www.byhand.me/component/option,com_content/Itemid,0/id,7022/task,view/
Very nice choices… thanks for posting them. I’m looking forward to the next installment!
.-= BeachyRustica’s latest post: PASSPORT TO SUMMER JEWELS =-.
hey there,
i just stumbled upon your site while searching for crafts blogs and these are very neat handmade finds you’ve showcased. being new to the handmade scene, it’s nice to have a guide to know where to start looking. i’m a crafter (trying to be, at least) myself and would like to share my site, and hopefully one day i can land an entry in this one!
:)